Novatek starts construction of Kola Shipyard

Russia's largest independent natural gas producer Novatek has started building a Kola shipyard, where ice-resistant platforms for the Arctic LNG-2 plant will be constructed, TASS reported citing Novatek CEO Leonid Mikhelson.

"We launched the Kola Shipyard project in late June. We have signed the first land removal, blasting and quarrying contracts," Mikhelson said.

The Novatek CEO said they would announce several tenders for the construction of a dock and mooring area by late September. He added that many contractors, most of them Russian, will take part in the tenders.

The Arctic LNG-2 natural gas liquefaction project includes the construction of a special dock for building reinforced concrete gravity platforms, drilling and production rigs for offshore Arctic projects, as well as other large marine facilities.

Novatek is considering the possibility of attracting foreign partners for managing the Kola Shipyard. Mikhelson said that they are holding talks with three partners, including Italy's Saipem.

"We are thinking of attracting a partner to manage the shipyard. We are in talks with three companies, including Saipem and also the companies that are supplying modules for the Yamal LNG plant. The decision on creating a management company and choosing partners for it must be taken this year," the Novatek CEO said.